A man was left needing surgery to rebuild his lip after a dog he brought off Facebook turned on him and tore it off.

Blake Walker, of Sherwood, bought the American Bulldog a month ago but on Friday had to rush to the Queen's Medical Centre and spent the weekend on a ward.

His dog, Trigger, turned aggressive when he tried to stop it chewing a bottle on his bed and had to be taken away by the police. He will now either be put down or, if possible, rehomed.

The 26-year-old, who works in customer services, wants to warn others of the danger of buying off the Internet and wants more measures in place to check sellers.

He said: "The surgeon said it was the most complex surgery he has had to do. The bedroom looks like a crime scene.

"If he had got my neck and ripped as much off there I would have been dead. I wanted him for companionship and to keep me active - I'm used to having big dogs and never had an issue before. This has been traumatising.

"What if this had happened to a child? I would have never been able to forgive myself."

Blake Walker shows his injuries (Image: Blake Walker)

He will have to wait four weeks before surgery because the doctors said it will be easier to reduce the scarring later.

In the meantime he has been told to avoid going out if possible and can only eat soup as it is still sore and painful.

He believes he was not told the dog's full history and when it turned aggressive during a trial stay the person who sold it to him refused to have it back.

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He regrets not going to a reputable seller, for example one on the Kennel Club list of Assured Breeders, and wants other people to do the same, to check the dog's health, temperament and background before they buy.

The government and many animal charities warn against buying from an unknown source, such as online, and advise getting dogs from shelters.

This is because you need to know where it comes from and where it was born.

Trigger the dog (Image: Blake Walker)

For example the Blue Cross says a good owner will encourage you to meet the puppy and other members of the family several times before you take it home, have it microchipped, give you their vet's details, has started house training and won't give them away until they are at least eight weeks old.

They also advise against buying in a pet shop.

You should always check the history with the previous owner, view the documentation and if you are unsure speak to your vet.

A spokeswoman for the police confirmed they attended and have seized the dog.